News Release

Supervisor Benoit Urges: Beat the Heat in Cool Centers

Supervisor John J. Benoit today announced the availability of cool centers in Riverside County’s desert areas and encouraged residents to consider using them during peak afternoon hours starting June 15 to relax in a cool environment and decrease electrical use in their homes.

“Although peak seasonal temperatures haven’t yet arrived, residents should be aware of the facilities made available by senior centers and community organizations offering relief from the summer heat,” said Supervisor John J. Benoit.  “I encourage all residents suffering from high energy bills and temperatures to take advantage of these centers.”

The Community Action Partnership (CAP) is coordinating cool centers to provide drop-in sites for vulnerable individuals, seniors, the disabled in need of temporary relief from the heat.  Cool centers are open to the public in affected areas when the Riverside County Department of Public Health issues a “heat warning,” when the forecast anticipates temperatures of 100° for three to five consecutive days.  For additional information, CAP is running a Summer Energy Crisis Hotline at (888) 636-8676.

The following are cool center locations open in the Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys (***indicates seniors-only):